Tahoe City, California
Tahoe City, California has many activities for outdoor adventurers. From scenic trails to must-visit attractions, there's something for everyone. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Emerald Bay State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, and the Tahoe City Golf Course. For those who enjoy hiking, the Tahoe Rim Trail provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding area. The Donner Summit Trail offers a more challenging experience, with its steep inclines and rocky terrain. For a more leisurely experience, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities on the lake. An abundance of wildlife can be spotted in and around the area, including bald eagles, ospreys, and mule deer. Whatever your outdoor interests, Tahoe City has something for you. Explore the best trails and outdoor activities in and near the area for a truly memorable experience.
Top Spots in and near Tahoe City
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Carson City, Nevada
Hike the Spooner Lake Loop
2.2 mi / 150 ft gainThe Spooner Lake Loop is perfect for any ages since there is basically no elevation gain and many benches along the trail to rest. The trail offers many educational signs describing the history, and flora and fauna of the area. This man made lake is perfect for the kids and pup. They will love th...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Explore Lake Tahoe's Vikingsholm Castle
4.0The drive to the location of Vikingsholm was beautiful with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, when approached from South Lake Tahoe. The hike down the hill to see this gem was worth it but could be hard for some (because the only return is up this somewhat steep path with switchbac...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Camp at Bayview Campground
5.0Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...Read more -
39.333252,-120.289482Donner Lake Rim Trail: Johnson Canyon to Trout Creek
A perfect Sunday hike on your way back from a weekend at Lake Tahoe. Exit I-80 at Donner Lake and take the dirt road on the north side of I-80 to a large parking lot. A mild climb followed by a set of tougher switchbacks leads you to great views from Donner Ridge. Although adventuring out on t...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Maggie's Peaks
5.03.85 mi / 1663 ft gainThis hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping a...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Cascade Falls
4.81.32 mi / 98 ft gainStarting out at the Bayview Trailhead you will make your way out through the campground towards the trail. Once you find the trail it is a simple way to the falls. It starts out as a wide trail and winds through the pine and fir trees. You will come to some stone steps as the trail narrows for th...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Backpack to Eagle Lake and Dick's Lake
4.513 mi / 1500 ft gainGet ready to get your lake on! This backpacking trip will take you 13+ miles through awesome scenery to several alpine lakes.Starting at the Bayview Campground, off of HWY 89, this hike follows the Granite Lake Trail along a difficult climb. Don't let the climb discourage you! As you climb, the v...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
5.05 miThis wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading to the lake. Although there is a rough trail, the ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Lower, Middle, and Upper Velma Lakes
3.010.14 mi / 2316 ft gainThe hike starts at Bayview Trailhead (Latitude: 38.938619 | Longitude: -120.14197). A wooden sign points right to "Desolation" and left to Cascade Falls. Follow the sign towards Desolation. The first 3/4 mile is comprised of switch-backs that lead to a high point with a spectacular view of Lake T...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Swim in Granite Lake
5.01.25 mi / 900 ft gainGranite Lake is a pristine alpine lake near Lake Tahoe just off the Highway 89 above Emerald Bay. To get there park at the Bayview Campground Trailhead, which can be pretty crowded in peak season so get there early. The trail begins with an split: right takes you into the Desolation Wilderness (a...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Bike or Take a Stroll along the Tahoe East Shore Trail
5.02.75 mi / 300 ft gainLake Tahoe's East Shore Trail is a wide paved walking and cycling path running between Incline Village and Sand Harbor State Park. Opened in 2019, the path lies completely separate from the road, sometimes hovering well above it on the mountainside, and other times running parallel to it on a bri...Read more -
Incline Village, Nevada
Monkey Rock
4.72.64 mi / 463 ft gainMonkey Rock is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Incline Village-Crystal Bay, Nevada.Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay
4.0Explore Lake Tahoe's southern shores by paddling from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay. There are many places to stop along the way for photographs, snorkelling, or swimming. The more popular ways to paddle from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay are by SUP or kayaks. But paddling a foamie can be extra f...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Baldwin Beach
4.5Baldwin Beach offers a half mile of views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada mountains. People come to this beach to relax and picnic. This is also a popular launch spot for those kayaking or stand up paddling to Emerald Bay. This beach is on national forest land and has a parking fee of $8.00...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Kayak Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and activities and given the protected nature of the cove, a great place for kayaking for both beginners are more advance kayakers. Depending on the time of year and the water level on the nort...Read more -
Glenbrook, Nevada
Camp at Zephyr Cove
Zephyr Cove on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is a fantastic starting point for a host of water sports and outdoor activities, from wake surfing to backpacking to trail running on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The Zephyr Cove Resort campground has 47 walk-in campsites and 10 drive-in campsites in additio...Read more
